Division I - Biology, Chemistry, and Process Engineering

Division I comprises twenty KIT research institutes, the KIT Department of Chemistry and Biosciences and the KIT Department of Chemical and Process Engineering as well as the Helmholtz Research Field Information with P2 - Natural, Artificial and Cognitive Information Processing (NACIP) und P3 - Materials Systems Engineering (MSE).

Together we are focusing on our new research theme "Material and energy cycles in circular economy, life science engineering, process technology and digitalization". In this way, we research and teach the latest processes and methods of material and energy conversion for the circular economy and build a synergistic bridge to the life sciences. In terms of content, the size scales are addressed both theoretically and experimentally from nanogram synthesis to the near-industrial ton scale. All research in Division I is geared to the requirements of a resource-efficient data-based society.

Professor Dr. Andrea Robitzki has been Head of Division I since February 15th, 2020,

Head of Division I

Prof. Dr. Andrea Robitzki

Contact Team Division I

Material and energy circuits in circular economy, life science engineering, process technology and digitization

In the international CARE-O-SENE project, researchers are developing tailor-made Fischer-Tropsch catalysts for the production of sustainable kerosene. (Photo: Tiziana Carambia)

Sustainable Kerosene – Accelerating Production on an Industrial Scale

Federal Ministry of Education and Research Funds Projects for the Decarbonization of Aviation - KIT Researchers Contribute Expertise in Optimizing Catalysts.

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The KEROGREEN research facility with the plasma reactor on the KIT campus. (Photo: Amadeus Bramsiepe, KIT)

On the Way Towards CO2-neutral Aviation

Within the KEROGREEN Project, Researchers Developed an Innovative Production Process for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Built a Research Facility.

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Using genetic scissors, KIT researchers have inverted and deactivated nine-tenths of a chromosome to prevent genetic exchange (detailed caption at end of text; illustration: Michelle Rönspies, KIT).

Plant Breeding: Using “Invisible” Chromosomes to Pass on Packages of Positive Traits

KIT Researchers Use CRISPR/Cas to Suppress Chromosomes and Prevent Genetic Exchange.

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Neural networks can detect minute differences in the stain patterns from dried peptide solutions (left: amyloid beta (Aβ42) peptide; right: mutation).

Biochemistry: Peptide “Fingerprint” Enables Earlier Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Stain Patterns from Dried Peptide Solutions Enable Effective Identification of Neurodegenerative Diseases – Fast Analysis with Neural Networks.

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The winners of the transfer award at KIT’s NEULAND innovation contest (detailed caption at end of text; photo: Robert Fuge, KIT)

Printable Adhesive for Solar Modules

KIT Researchers and Industrial Partners Develop Market-ready Special Adhesive – Project Wins Transfer Award in KIT’s NEULAND Innovation Contest

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The DialogProTec research project developed sophisticated technologies for sustainable plant protection (montage: DialogProTec, KIT).

Crop Protection: Biohacking against Fungal Attacks

KIT and Research Partners Develop Sustainable Crop Protection Solutions.

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In Germany liquid manure is usually spread on fields or grasslands without pretreatment. The nitrogen it releases has a negative environmental impact. (Photo: Markus Breig, KIT)

Nitrogen Footprint: Heavy Pollution and Resource Losses Due to Liquid Manure

KIT Researchers Calculate Effect of Liquid Manure from Meat Production on Nitrogen Footprint and on Energy Required to Recover Nitrogen.

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Researchers use CRISPR-Kill to prevent the model plant thale cress from forming secondary roots. (Photo: Angelina Schindele, KIT)

Using Gene Scissors to Specifically Eliminate Individual Cell Types

KIT Researchers Use CRISPR-Kill to Prevent the Formation of Specific Organs During Plant Development.

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